Isle of Wight SEN Support are very excited to announce a free information and discussion session regarding the Island’s ‘safety valve’ agreement, with very special guest, SEN specialist solicitor and campaigner Michael Charles.
What’s it about?
What is a ‘safety valve’ agreement? How does it relate to education provision for children with additional needs? How might it impact Island children and families? Will my child and family be impacted? What can we do about it?
Isle of Wight council is one of 34 local authorities so far to have signed a safety valve agreement with the Department for Education.
Brannon: There are real and valid concerns
Colleen Brannon, on behalf of Isle of Wight SEN Support, said,
“As we understand it, our agreement allows the IW local authority to access funding for education provision (£1 million per year) – but with (potentially unlawful) strings attached – the council must cut £10 million per year from the deficit.
“There are real and valid concerns that these agreements will make it even more difficult for SEND children to access appropriate and suitable education support, as thousands of pounds are pulled away from SEND budgets to make savings.”
Where and when
This in-person event will be held at Newport Congregational Church on Friday 5th July between 6pm and 8pm.
You can submit questions re: the safety valve programme by messaging Isle of Wight SEN Support or emailing [email protected], and Michael will address these questions at the event.
The deadline for submitting questions is Friday 21st June.
Book your free place
Tickets are available here, spaces are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Please let anyone who might be interested know about the event.
